Part of the BMF’s ongoing programme to engage local MPs with builders’ merchant businesses in their constituencies, Hannah Spencer MP has visited Henshaws Roofing & Building Supplies’ recently opened branch in Denton.
How merchants create local jobs and supply the materials needed for more energy-efficient homes was the focus of the constituency visit by the Green Party MP for Gorton and Denton to Henshaws branch in Denton. Opened just one month ago and the firm’s third branch in Greater Manchester, Ms Spencer heard how the merchant transformed an empty building – previously occupied by a company that repaired fire engines – by converting it into a thriving merchant branch that now employs seven local people.
Hannah was welcomed by the merchant’s Marketing Manager Rachel Shelley and Branch Manager Kevin Doyle alongside the BMF’s Brett Amphlett. Touring the 1½ acre site, she saw the everyday trade essentials and value-added products available to its customers in Gorton & Denton.
Rachel commented: “We were delighted to welcome Hannah Spencer to our new Denton branch. It isn’t every day you get to meet an MP who has actually worked in the trade, so it was a genuine pleasure to show her around and talk shop.
“We were proud to explain how Henshaws has grown since 1985, the jobs we have created locally, and our work to help customers choose more energy-efficient and responsibly sourced materials.”
This visit included discussion on making homes more resilient against overheating following the heatwaves of recent weeks. Equally, protecting homes from flooding and the need for water conservation were topics raised during the local MP’s visit that also require more awareness by the public.
Before entering Parliament, Ms Spencer worked as a plumber, gas engineer and plasterer and is well known locally as “Hannah the Plumber”. She is the Green MP lead on Housing and is keen to encourage more young people to choose a career in the skilled, low carbon trades that the country urgently needs.
Henshaws supports the BMF’s “BM Careers” initiative which helps reach local talent and showcases the wide range of rewarding careers available in the building materials supply chain.
The visit was arranged by the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) as part of its industry and parliament programme, which aims to show MPs the role, value and importance of merchants in delivering for their customers and helping to grow local economies.
Main image: Henshaws’ Branch Manager Kevin Doyle in discussion with Hannah Spencer MP.
